Dynamics of Group and Intergroup Relations

Abstract

Muzafer Sherif's work on group dynamics and intergroup relations appears to be shaped by his personal background and political fate. This chapter reviews Sherif's multifaceted contributions to the study of group and intergroup relations. It highlights the complexity of his thinking about these issues. The chapter explores his ongoing relevance for research on these issues. Sherif's presumably most known contribution to the study of group and intergroup relations is the set of studies referred to as the Robbers Cave experiments. Sherif posited a positive relationship between group cohesion and the correlation between social rank and skill ratings. Accordingly, Sherif differentiated not only the nature of interpersonal relations from group dynamics, but also intra-group processes from intergroup dynamics. According to Sherif, the key element in determining the nature of intergroup relations is the relationship of each group to the goals of other groups.